Best PFDs of 2025

"This Bluestorm belt PFD was exactly what I needed for paddle boarding. The CO2 cartridge is included, and I found it weighs only 14oz. The 2-inch wide belt is more comfortable than narrower options, and the velcro closure is well-designed, not catching on my wet suit. 100% happy with this purchase!"

"I bought this for SUP and kayaking. The canister is cleverly hidden inside the belt, but it's easy to access. It's lightweight and really comfortable to wear."

"I love how small and easy to wear this is compared to a large life vest. It clips on effortlessly, and while I trust it as a competent swimmer, I hope I never have to test its effectiveness in an emergency."

“I find these life jackets to be well made and comfortable to wear. I haven’t had to test them yet, and I really hope I never have to.”

“I really like my life jacket; it looks great and is actually comfortable to wear! It’s reassuring to know it will inflate automatically if needed.”

“The product arrived very quickly. I bought it for my brother, and while I hope he never has to use it, it gives me peace of mind knowing he has it.”

"I wanted a really bright hi-vis life jacket to ensure I could be easily spotted on the lake. This vest checked all the boxes! It fits my entire family, from 5'0” 80# to 6'5” 220#, although it’s a bit big on my little one. The tightening straps are easy to use, and I appreciate the lack of material on the sides, which prevents bulk. It feels comfortable whether I’m SUPing or kayaking. Yes, it’s a bit short for my tall frame, hitting just above my waist, but I quickly forget I’m wearing it. And let me tell you, it works! After a fall during my first SUP attempt, I was grateful for this jacket. There’s no doubt that wearing a life vest is a small price to pay for safety."

"At 5'7” and 155#, I got the adult universal size, and it fits perfectly. The adjustments are straightforward, and it's quite comfy, though it does ride up a bit in the water. I got this for my paddleboard to avoid a ticket, so I’m not overly concerned about it. For my needs, it’s a great quality at this price point."

"This life jacket was perfect for my 11-year-old who can’t swim. She felt safe and had a lot of fun wearing it. It’s crucial that kids feel secure on the water, and this did the job nicely!"

"I purchased this PFD to find something more comfortable that I would actually wear. I own several full-size over-the-shoulder PFDs, but they are no fun in the Florida sun. This one fits nicely around my waist, making it easy to paddle without feeling bulky. It’s lightweight and never gets in the way while paddle boarding. I can easily unfold and re-fold it after it gets wet, and the directions are clearly printed inside the package. The manual inflation tube is a great backup if the cartridge fails."

"This inflatable PFD is essential for safety while paddling in my outrigger and dragon boat. I find it less constraining than traditional over-the-body types. However, if conditions get rough, I would recommend a more heavy-duty option. This PFD is comfortable, and the adjustable waist straps make it easy to wear. It comes with a cartridge, ensuring I’ll be safe on the water."

"I absolutely love this PFD! It’s so lightweight that I often forget I’m even wearing it. When I go paddle boarding, I wear it around my waist while my friends use bulkier jackets attached to their boards. All I have to do is pull the cord when necessary. I did notice some reviews mentioning expired cartridges, but that just refers to the manufacturing date."

"I bought these life vests for our new kayaks, and I’m really satisfied with the fit, maneuverability, and price. After almost two years of use, they still look almost new and can keep us afloat if needed. I’d recommend them for kayaking but not for paddleboarding."

"I really enjoy these life vests designed for kayaking. They provide plenty of arm movement while ensuring I feel snug and safe. I highly recommend them!"

"I was initially nervous about ordering a life vest online, but this unit is easily adjustable and fits my needs perfectly. The price is great too!"

"I found the packaging to be excellent. It arrived securely in a box with no damage. This is a real life jacket, not just a vest or flotation device. It truly keeps you afloat properly, even if you're unconscious. Some may say it lacks style, but I prioritize functionality. I tried it out on a kayak trip, and it didn’t hinder my paddling or comfort. Plus, it was affordable!"

"I bought these jackets to meet state PFD requirements for kayaking. They’re small and lightweight, making them easy to store for emergencies. While they may not be super comfortable for extended wear, that’s not an issue for me since I don’t plan to wear them constantly. The price is fantastic for stocking my boat with PFDs!"

"For just $10, this product is decent. Sure, spending a bit more could get you something of higher quality, but for occasional use, it’s perfectly acceptable. If you're on a budget and need multiple jackets, this is a great option. Pairing it with a sale on an Intex Explorer 300 makes it an economical choice!"

"I received exactly what I ordered and I'm really impressed by the quality."

"I bought this for my dad's birthday, and it gave him his fishing time back!"

"I wanted something lightweight for kayaking, and this vest is comfortable and perfect for that."

"Using these life jackets on our pontoon is a pleasure. The storage case is handy and easy to store."

"We needed extra life jackets for our boat, and these extra large jackets fit well for medium to large sizes. The price was fair, and the quality is impressive. I would definitely purchase them again."

"We bought these life jackets because we wanted to be compliant while on the water. They are approved by the coast guard, which gives us peace of mind. We saved a lot of money by purchasing these instead of pricier options, and they served their purpose well."

"Upgrading to a fishing-specific PFD was a great decision for me. The multiple pouches are perfect for my gear, and it fits comfortably without being bulky in the back, which is essential for kayak fishing. Plus, it looks brand new even after lots of use!"

"This vest is fantastic both on and off the water! The snug fit is comfortable, and I really appreciate the quick-release zipper for easy wear. It adds an extra safety layer that I value, especially after flipping my kayak a few times."

"I was hesitant to spend too much on a PFD, but this one is a bargain. It has all the pockets I need for fishing gear, and it's incredibly comfortable. I've used it multiple times, and it feels like I’m not even wearing it!"

"I really like these life jackets! They look great and the quality seems very nice. I appreciate that they are lightweight and easy to use. The sizing is perfect for both my husband and me, and the price was a good deal for the bundle."

"I haven't had the chance to use them yet, but I'm impressed with how they look and feel. They came in a nice storage bag and are reasonably priced. I'm hoping they will fit my 14-year-olds as they grow, but I wish there was a way to attach a safety whistle."

"I absolutely love these life vests! They are bright, easy to adjust, and not bulky at all. They have become my go-to vests for paddle boarding, and the included bag is perfect for storage and quick access. I feel safe in the water while wearing them!"